FNP-31806 Forest and Nature Policy: Theoretical Perspectives

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

FNP-24306 Governance for Forest and Nature; FNP-32806 Science and Expertise in Nature and Environment. Or other comparable course on the social and policy aspects of forest and nature. In case of doubt, contact the coordinator.

Continuation courses:

Thesis Forest and Nature Conservation Policy.

Contents:

Forestry and nature conservation are social practices in which ecosystems, places, people, organizations and ideas interact. Analysing and understanding how this interaction takes place, what it is about and whom takes part, etc. are core questions for scientists. As a basis for such analyses, the application of appropriate theories and concepts is crucial. That is where this course comes in as it:
- introduces to you several state-of-the-art social science theories and concepts;
- demonstrates how they are applied in forest and nature conservation research;
- assists you in arguing on and developing a theoretical perspective for studying a specific forest and nature conservation practice.
This course discusses and illustrates various theories and concepts using cases from forest and nature conservation practices ranging from both developed and developing countries and from the local to the global level.
The course will pay attention to: the meaning and use of theory in social science; the selection of theories; the development of a well-argued problem statement and related theoretical framework; the application of concepts and theories in a scientific paper. This course provides an excellent preparation for your master thesis, not only in forest and nature conservation but also in related social science programs.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand different state-of-the-art social science concepts and theories relevant in the field of forest and nature conservation;
- apply these concepts and theories to empirical examples;
- analyse the differences and similarities of the different concepts and theories;
- evaluate these theories and concepts and their implications for research in a scientific paper;
- create a well-argued problem statement;
- create a theoretical framework that is linked to the problem statement.

Activities:

- preparing for lectures by reading scientific articles;
- discussing and preseenting scientific articles during lectures and/or in groups;
- self study using material from MyPortal;
- writing and presenting a scientific paper.

Examination:

The exam is based on an individual paper.
Sufficient participation in the assignments during the course is required.

Literature:

Will be made available through MyPortal.